Charles Bernstein - Teachers Make a Difference Stanley Cavell

The speaker describes their challenging transition from the Bronx High School of Science in New York to Harvard College in Cambridge. In the spring of 1969, they took a class with the philosopher Stanley Cabal, which deeply influenced them. The class, Humanities 5, covered the history of western philosophy and works by Thoreau, Emerson, and Rousseau. The speaker became friends with Cabal, visiting his home and learning from his approach.

What challenges did the speaker face when transitioning to Harvard College?

Who was Stanley Cabal and what impact did he have on the speaker?

What subjects did the speaker study in Humanities 5?

How did the speaker feel about the way Stanley Cabal taught philosophy?

What was the significance of the speaker's friendship with Stanley Cabal?